

With proper care, your makeup brushes should last for years. What to Look for in a Makeup Brush Cleaner Gentle, Non-Damaging Formula


After consulting with a makeup brush expert and professional makeup artist, and considering dozens of options, we landed on these top-rated choices. We combed through the selection, evaluating each on size, active ingredients, lather, and how soft they keep brushes feeling. Here’s the good news: There’s a litany of different makeup brush cleansers on the market that make it easier than ever to get your brushes (and sponges) squeaky clean with minimal effort required. As a general rule of thumb, she suggests cleaning your complexion brushes at least once per week and other ones (eye shadow, highlighter, etc.) every two to three weeks. “Cream and liquid formulas tend to pick up and hold on to oil and dirt more so than powder products,” she explains.

So, how often should you actually be cleaning your brushes? Kaicker says it depends on how frequently you use the brush and the type of formula you’re using it with. “Clean makeup brushes will give you the best application possible,” says expert Anisa Telwar Kaicker, since built-up product and pigment on dirty brushes can leave your makeup looking streaky and discolored. Plus, dirty brushes simply don’t work as well. The hard truth of the matter is that dirty brushes and sponges can quickly become a breeding ground for all kinds of bacteria, oil, dead skin cells, and other grime-all of which consistently get transferred onto your skin (and into your products) every time you use them. But here’s the thing: Keeping your brushes clean is essential for the health of your skin and the efficacy of your brushes. If you’re anything like us, cleaning your makeup brushes often falls into that “eh, I can probably skip it” category of tasks.
